An honest review of the new perfume Merit Retrospect

It’s not often that a fragrance launch catches the attention of multiple beauty editors. With so many perfume brands on the market, a new launch can sometimes seem a bit disappointing. However, there have been buzzes of excitement across the industry lately as many of us gear up for one of the biggest fragrance launches of the year. I was lucky enough to get my hands on this launch a few weeks ago and I can confirm that it is absolutely worth the hype.

If you are not sure which perfume I mean, let me introduce it to you. I’m sure you’ve all heard of the cult makeup brand Merit. Thanks to its quick, easy, natural-looking formulas and clean, minimalist packaging, this brand has become a beauty editorial staple. From the viral flush balm to The Makeup collaboration with fashion brand Tove, it’s definitely the brand to know this season.

So you can imagine my excitement when I heard that Merit was launching its first-ever fragrance. This perfume is every bit as stylish as you would expect and it gives me all the cool, clean and expensive looking vibes I’m trying to convey this fall. If you’re looking for a new signature scent, I highly recommend you keep scrolling…

Merit Retrospect Perfume Review

What does Merit Retrospect smell like?

Junior beauty editor Grace Lindsay tests Merit perfume

This question is on everyone’s lips, but what does this perfume actually smell like? Created by leading perfumer Fanny Bal (the nose behind several fragrances from Frederic Malle, Givenchy and YSL), this fragrance takes a multi-layered approach that offers different scent profiles from woody to fresh to floral.

With the first spritz you’re greeted by juicy pear and fresh bergamot before rich jasmine and rose take center stage. Moss notes provide an earthy feel, while vanilla and musk provide a warm, sensual note.

If I had to describe it in three words I would say: clean, soft and luxurious. It’s definitely more of a skin-like scent with a delicate opening that dries down to a musky, heady base. I like to think of it as a scent alternative to my favorite cashmere sweater. Yes, it smells expensive, but it also has an underlying, calming sweetness that makes me want to wear it again and again.

Junior beauty editor Grace Lindsay tests Merit perfume

How long-lasting are earnings in retrospect?

Another question I have often been asked is whether this perfume lasts long. Interestingly, the concentrated formula is almost 30% fragrance oil and has a lower alcohol content, allowing the scent to linger on the skin much longer than a typical perfume.

However, since it has a softer, more delicate scent, I topped it up slightly throughout the day. This is definitely not necessary, but if you want your perfume to have a little more impact, I recommend keeping it in your purse for a spritz here and there.

Junior beauty editor Grace Lindsay tests Merit perfume

Is it worth looking back at earnings?

All in all, I completely understand why this scent has created so much hype. I knew it would be good, but the brand has exceeded all expectations with this launch. Not only is the bottle itself a work of art, the scent is a wonderful example of how delicate, skin-like scents can have just as big an impact as stronger options on the market. If you’re looking for a new perfume this fall and winter, I highly recommend giving this one a try.

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